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In this episode of Hoot and Holler Radio, Stacey Porter pulls back the curtain on life as a realtor—sharing funny, heartbreaking, and empowering stories about showing up for clients, supporting fair housing, and the emotional labor of the job.Later, Jan Dillon offers a tender love letter to the Waffle House, describing how the diner became a place of comfort and community during grief. Both storytellers join the host for post-stage conversations about their performances and lives beyond the microphone.

In this episode of Naturally Curious, Bruce C. Bryan talks with Dr. Jai Girard from the Virginia Restaurant Lodging and Travel Association. They discuss her transition from Texas to Virginia, a move sparked by her father’s health needs and a timely job offer from James Madison University. Dr. Girard shares how her early days bartending and managing a nightclub eventually led her to pursue a PhD and a career in academia before moving into her current role focused on education and workforce development.The conversation explores the importance of the hospitality industry as a major economic driver for Virginia and a vital training ground for "durable skills" like empathy and problem-solving. Dr. Girard highlights her work with ProStart, a program that introduces high school students and individuals in the Department of Corrections to culinary and management careers. She also talks about her passion for neonatal kitten rescue and why she believes internships are the best way for students to figure out their true career fit. It's a look at the human side of travel and tourism and how the industry is evolving to meet the needs of a younger workforce.

Host Lee Hunsaker presents two intimate stories of grief, signs, and unexpected grace. Lindsay McKinnon recounts losing her two sons, a psychic prophecy that brought healing and serendipity.Writer Matthew Vollmer explores his mother’s decline into dementia and the mysterious lights that appeared near the family home. Through strange phenomena, a shaman’s reading, and his father’s changing life, Matthew finds new ways to see his mother and move forward.Both storytellers join Lee for follow-up conversations about life after their performances and how storytelling helped them heal.

In this episode of Naturally Curious, Bruce C. Bryan sits down with Charlie Counts of Local Seafood Delivery to explore the winding journey of a modern fishmonger. Growing up on a tobacco and cattle farm in Southwest Virginia, Charlie’s career took a sharp turn from Black Angus beef to the docks of North Carolina after a single lightbulb moment during a family vacation. The conversation explores the reality of eleven-hour weekly commutes, the intensity of vying for the best catch at the docks, and why he chooses to drive the extra mile to maintain deep-rooted relationships with his coastal suppliers.The episode also highlights the unique culture of local farmers markets, where Charlie has become a staple for seafood lovers from Roanoke to Blacksburg. Listeners will hear about the "hogfish" craze, the importance of sustainable United States fisheries, and even a few stories from the road involving hitchhikers and the pursuit of the perfect taco. It’s a look at what's required to bring the coast to the mountains, proving that for this "fish guy," the business is truly all about the people and the fellowship of a fresh meal.

This week on Naturally Curious, host Bruce Bryan sits down with Julia Boas from the Roanoke Regional Partnership to uncover why the greater Roanoke area is becoming such a massive magnet for outside companies, capital, and top-tier talent. From global manufacturing growth and the booming "placemaking" movement to the secret weapon of the regional outdoors, Julia breaks down the sustainable growth driving the region forward. We'll also talk about how local "talent ambassadors" are organically welcoming newcomers, what lifelong residents really think about the shifting landscape, and how the area overcomes its unique mountain geography to compete on a national stage. It’s a fascinating look at the economic fortunes and community spirit shaping our region....and why visitors so often find themselves deciding to stay.

In this episode of Naturally Curious, host Bruce C. Bryan spends time with retired judge and acclaimed author Martin Clark, often described as "the thinking man’s John Grisham." With a legal career spanning three decades on the bench, Clark shares the fascinating story of his winding path from a young judge to a celebrated novelist. The conversation dives deep into the realities of the courtroom, the grueling process of getting published, and how he balances the demands of a high-stakes legal career with the creative life of a writer. From humorous stories about his "FM radio voice" and rejection letters to poignant reflections on how personal challenges have shaped his storytelling, this interview offers an intimate look at one of the most unique voices in legal fiction.

Host Lee Hunsaker presents two intimate onstage stories from the Grandin Theatre. Bebe Demure recounts the physical and emotional costs of a life in professional ballet, an injury that forced her to stop, and how she reclaimed her body and voice through burlesque.Mary Beth Wooten shares a medical crisis that cost her career and home, the friends who found her in her darkest moments, and a road to self-love and renewal that led her back to creativity and purpose.

In this episode of Naturally Curious, Bruce C. Bryan talks with Rita Joyce about her journey of turning a devastating personal loss into a way to help others. Since losing her son nearly twenty years ago, Rita has dedicated herself to supporting families through her nonprofit, "Fed Up with Gun Violence." The conversation covers her work providing financial and emotional aid to those in their darkest hours, while also touching on her long career in community banking. Rita shares her thoughts on the importance of financial literacy and why she believes in living with a heart for service. It is a powerful look at resilience and the impact one person can have on the Roanoke Valley.

On this episode of Naturally Curious, host Bruce C. Bryan sits down with Karen Pillis, the executive director of the West End Center for Youth, Inc., to explore how a grassroots neighborhood program from the late 1970s evolved into a vital community anchor. They discuss the realities of post-pandemic childhood, discussing how local educators and nonprofits are teaming up to tackle unique modern hurdles like virtual learning gaps and the social demands of the internet age. From afternoon pool trips and community-wide movie walks to a high school internship program that empowers the next generation of professionals, this conversation reveals the deep magic that happens when a community invests fully in its children. It is an inspiring look at local legacy, the profound power of cross-sector partnerships, and why the future of the region is much brighter than the headlines might lead you to believe.

Remembering WVTF music hosts Kevin Sanders and Kinney Rorrer